Dads, their children, and career!

With all that is going on in this world, we can only hope marriages get stronger while people are working remote together. I hope it shows kids resilience, strength and family will get us through it. But, for more dads going through a divorce, wanted or not, it has changed the landscape when it comes to being involved with our kids. More than EVER, dads need to continue to step it up as our world continues to see amazing female leaders creating change and stepping up.

I can tell you raising kids while married is hard enough. Raising kids as a divorced dad is even more difficult, especially during a pandemic going on. No one ever tells you just how hard it is because I suspect they secretly want everyone to think they have it all figured out, or in times like this, no one can get together to talk about it. Divorce takes the organized chaos of a normal family and converts it into total mayhem.

Dads need to step up and make sure they stay involved in their children’s lives. Your kids need you and that means making hard choices. Giving up that weekend you may have planned every year with close friends, or for myself searching for the job that doesn’t involve nights or weekend or travel—even if it pays a little less and limits the places you are able to work.

My undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education and child development. I can tell you that dads that are significantly involved in their children's lives have higher school achievement, are more likely to be employed, are less likely to partake in violent crime, and are more empathetic and trusting than those who grew up without the regular presence of there dad. Dads are an important factor to their child’s development and this needs to be recognized more than ever. No one should let you believe otherwise!

Fortunately, the culture around divorce and divorced dads, in particular, is changing. I strive everyday to be part of this change. Just like leadership continues to change for more female leaders in the work force. Change is being made, but like anything, it takes time to fully change peoples mindsets. Dads in early years typically were not involved as much as mothers. I was lucky enough to have both my folks involved as a child and even more now as a divorced dad.

My kids don’t expect me to be Mary Poppins, but that would be AWESOME! My hope is that in their eyes I am a superhero simply called DADDY! They know I will always have their back, I will challenge them and teach them things. While I struggle with my next career path, often uncertain and at times deflating, I show up each day when I have them. I also show up each day I don't have them at their sporting events and activities. It is worth the fight to find time for your kids, to watch them grow.

Most importantly, they know I love them!

Keep striving with an open mind and this movement will continue to keep all of us strong!

-kp (IheartuRK)